It’s nonfiction, memoir style I guess. I’ve never done this. I’ve written ebooks for marketing–about 30 pages or so. At first it was so daunting but then, fortunately, an acquaintance of mine connected me with a writer named Susan, in Maine with whom I meet by phone.
She has written a book and her new one is about grief. She lost a brother. Her advice has been so valuable. And given that it’s a two-way street, I’m helping her start to market herself because that’s my expertise.
There are a lot of other things I need to do to get integrated into the writing community but at least I took that step.
Charles will be my co-author because I will be using some of his songs in the book. Some published, some you’ve never seen before.
The purpose is to illustrate the inner thoughts and feelings of someone who suffers thoughts of suicide, addiction and depression. I did not know the level of self awareness he had, particularly with the drug abuse in his early years and the drug addiction in the last 6-9 months of his life (I’m not sure exactly how long he was addicted.) I am hoping it will help you understand the “why?” because it has helped me understand that. And I think that a lot of the “whys” are universal.
The one thing that is important to know is that I want the book to give you hope, help you forgive yourself and allow you to see things from the point of view of someone who lived with this.
It will not be all sadness. It will not be all blog posts cobbled together. It will not be really long.
I might come on this site and complain, obsess, vent my insecurities, beg for encouragement or ask your opinion from time to time. I am maybe 1/3 through the first draft? Not sure really. It won’t be called Emotionally Naked but it will be all of that. Because that’s how I roll.
And I think that a lot of the “whys” are universal. – Anne Moss this idea could relate and help so many people. There are so many “whys” and how one person gets there can be completely different than how someone else gets there. The desperation, shame and loneliness they/we feel is common ground.
That’s what I see in Charles’ work. He shared it with others and they’d take the notebooks. They felt it, too, and he just expressed it in words.
I think this is amazing, Anne!! So much to tell. I hope you will also share how you, your husband and other son got through this nightmare. Many marriages are torn in two when this happens. It will be a cathartic way of sharing your story. It will touch so many peoples lives. I am always in awe of you! You GO GIRL!!!
Thanks for that feedback Nancy. Good to know what you might be looking to discover. I appreciate it.
This is so wonderful Anne, I look forward to get my copy. All the best and keep up the amazing work you are doing. God bless <3 🙂
Thank you Joanna
What a wonderful way to share Charles’ words and your journey losing him. It will be great help to so many and Charles will continue to live on in the lives of people who never had the pleasure of getting to know him while he was alive. Anne I admire you so much.
Thank you Denise. And I wrote this post to keep me accountable for finishing it!
Anne, would you share the name of the book? My daughter Rachel has never really allowed healing in the suicide loss of her “baby” brother, Curt. She is still angry, because she “made him promise to not attempt suicide again, and He looked her in the eye and made her that unkeepable promise.” It’s heartbreaking 💔
Oh Jan. I’m so sorry. Charles told me that, too. It was part of a conversation about someone’s dad. I will send you the name via Facebook message. There is a blog post in your comment.
I’m looking forward to reading it, too and sharing it with others. Keep up the great work! You’re making a difference.
You are part of that difference, Leigh. Thank you for your loyalty.
I know it will be incredible and I look forward to reading it!
Thank you Kelly
I look forward to reading your book! The blog is invaluable to me and has inspired me to share more of my story with others. I think that is an important part of healing.
Thank you Brooke. It does help with healing. If you are ever ready to share here, let me know.